Reinforced hanging rod with a built-in lighting integration

ABSTRACT

A hanging rod with a built in lighting integration includes a metal upper cover, a translucent plastic lower lampshade engaged with said cover, and a support base having a fluorescent tube placed on a bottom thereof and an electronic ballast located between the cover and the lampshade. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a hanging rod with a reinforced structure and a built-in lighting integration capable of providing accent illumination to clothes or objects being hung thereunder. More particularly, the invention emphasizes the integration of ballast and fluorescent tube inside a confined space of a hanging rod which needs to be adaptable to popular sizes and styles of clothes hangers used by consumers while providing sufficient illumination as well as heavy weight bearing capacity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a hanging rod with a reinforcedstructure and a built-in lighting integration capable of providingaccent illumination to clothes or objects being hung thereunder. Moreparticularly, the invention emphasizes the integration of ballast andfluorescent tube inside a confined space of a hanging rod which needs tobe adaptable to popular sizes and styles of clothes hangers used byconsumers while providing sufficient illumination as well as heavyweight bearing capacity.

[0003] 2. Background of the Invention

[0004] A conventional closet is usually provided with lighting andhanging rod. In most of the cases, the light source is mounted on aceiling of the closet. The hanging rod is usually installed between twosidewalls of the closet for hanging clothing or the like. For closetillumination, the area where consumers most need light is where theyhang their clothes so that they can make a quick and right pick ofclothes for specific occasions. The conventional way of lightingmanagement obviously can not satisfy the need in this respect. The lightcoming from the remote ceiling in most cases does not provide asufficient illumination to serve such accent need. Moreover the closetsare always installed with wood or metal shelves right above the hangingrods for storage of folded clothes, accessories or other necessities,illumination for the hang clothes become even worse because the lightfrom the ceiling source is largely blocked by the shelves and stuffthereon.

[0005]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a hanging rod of the prior art. Asshown in FIG. 1, a hanging device 20 includes a ballast 201, twofixtures 203, two adjustment units 205, a hang rod 207, and afluorescent tube 208. The ballast 201 is connected to an electrical wire202. The fixture 203 has a hollow portion in the center thereof wherethe electrical wire 202 can penetrate. A plurality of adjustment holes204 are further formed on the fixtures 203. The adjustment units 205 arerespectively provided with a slot 206 matching the adjustment holes 204for fixing the above elements. The hanging rod 207 is connected to thetwo adjustment units 205 at both ends thereof. The fluorescent tube 208is located inside the hanging rod 207, and the ballast 201 is normallymounted under the shelf or on the wall or anywhere adjacent to the topof the hanging rod 207. The ballast 201, located outside the hanging rod207, wastes not only the inner space of the closet but also theconsumer's time for additional installation work. Each end of fixtures203 is fastened upon the shelf by screws. The hanging rod 207 iscomposed of an upper half cover 2071 and a lower half cover 2072. Theupper half cover 2071 is made out of metal (aluminum alloy) and thelower half cover 2072 is made out of translucent plastic.

[0006] There is nothing but the fluorescent tube and sockets inside thehanging rod 207. If an excessive amount of clothes is hung on thehanging rod 207, the hanging rod 207 may warp or break due toinsufficient structural support. This could be dangerous because thefluorescent tube may consequently break with a result of exposing theusers to electrical shock or physical hurt.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention represents a major improvement over theprior art in the following purposes.

[0008] (1) The bulky electronic ballast is integrated into the hangingrod resulting into an esthetic and compact product look. It saves notonly the inner space of the closet but also the consumer's time foradditional installation work. The inclusion and construction of thebulky electronic ballast inside the confined space of the hanging rodrepresents a superior engineering design since the cross dimension ofthe hanging rod is governed by the hook size of popular clothes hangersused by consumers.

[0009] (2) The structure and weight bearing capacity of the hanging rodsubstantially are reinforced through the construction of rid structureon the inner wall of the upper cover. The inclusion of ballast andsupport base making the hanging rod a non-hollow structure also helpsthe reinforcement effect.

[0010] (3) New push-pull style adjustment units are added to offerconsumers easy replacement of the fluorescent tube without the need ofusing any hand tool.

[0011] (4) New reinforcement hook for longer rod, aside from raising thehanging capacity, also offers free slide without interruption forclothes hangers. This is a convenient feature for consumers to pick orhang clothes.

[0012] (5) New power in and out designs allow two or more sets ofhanging rods to be electrically connectable in series, a very usefulcreation for a walk in closet.

[0013] (6) New invention of motion sensor for fluorescent tube isconnected to the hanging device to detect the motion and instantly turnon the fluorescent tube.

[0014] (7) New rib structure on the surface of the upper cover offersanti-scratch protection for the surface finish, and it also helpsstrengthens the hangs rod structure.

[0015] (8) Aside from the shelf mounted design, other mounting optionsinclude the wall to wall mounted, the back wall mounted and the ceilingmounted structures are further added to expand applicability.

[0016] The various objects and advantages of the present invention willbe more readily understood from the following detailed description whenread in conjunction with the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The drawings included herein provide a further understanding ofthe invention and incorporated herein, constitute a part of theinvention disclosure. A brief introduction of the drawings is a follows:

[0018]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the previously invented hangingdevice.

[0019]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the hanging device according to afirst embodiment of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 2A is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2.

[0021]FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a hanging device assembledaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a hanging device according tothe first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a hanging device in use according tothe first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 6 is a view showing the push pull design for the replacementof a fluorescent tube according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0025]FIG. 7 is a schematic view of two hanging devices connected inseries according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 8 is a schematic view of two interconnected hanging deviceswith a motion sensor according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0027]FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a hanging device with areinforcement hook according to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0028]FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a hanging device mounted on a metalshelf according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view showing the structure of aconnection body of the push and pull device of the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 12A is a schematic view of a ceiling mounted hanging rodusing a pair of extendable down rods according to a sixth embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0031]FIG. 12B is a schematic view of a wall to wall mounted hanging rodaccording to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0032]FIG. 12C is a schematic view of a hanging rod integrated with arack structure mounted on the two side walls according to an eighthembodiment of the present invention.

[0033]FIG. 12D is a schematic view of a hanging rod integrated with arack structure mounted on a single back wall according to the ninthembodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0034] With reference to FIG. 2 through FIG. 4, a hanging device 10 ofthe invention comprises two fixtures 2, two adjustment units 3, and ahanging rod 4 with internal lighting. The hanging rod 4 includes a cover41 and a lampshade 42. The cover 41 is engaged with the lampshade 42together to form a substantially ellipsoidal shape. The cross dimensionof the hanging rod 4 is governed by the adaptability to common clotheshangers used by the consumers. At the locations where the cover 41 andthe lampshade 42 are engaged, engagement slots 411, 421 are formed in ashape of “

” for buckling the cover 41 and the lampshade 42.

[0035] A support base 43 is assembled with the cover 41 via lateralsides of the support base 43 engaging the engagement slots 411 of thecover 41. The support base 43 is thereby firmly arranged in the hangingrod 4. Furthermore, a plurality of ribs 412 that are spaced apart fromone another are formed in row on an inner wall of the cover 41 toreinforce the strength of hanging device 10 thereby to increase theweight bearing capacity of the hanging device.

[0036] Lighting such as a fluorescent tube 44 is located underneath thesupport base 43, with the electronic ballast 1 being super-imposed on atop of the support base 43. In other words, both the ballast 1 and thefluorescent tube 44 are built inside the hanging rod 4. FIG. 2A is apartially enlarged view of FIG. 2. One L shaped portion 431 is formednear each end of the support base 43 to enable a tapping screw 432 to beguided into a space between the ribs 412, thereby fixing the supportbase 43. The support base 43 can be further polished to have areflective surface 45 for increasing the illumination of the fluorescenttube 44. The reflective surface 45 can have a curved shape and isflexible to absorb pressure from hanging clothes.

[0037] In FIG. 3, the hanging rod 4 is connected to two adjustment units3 which is a push-pull design. One end of each adjustment unit 3 isconnected to the hanging rod 4, and the other end is pivoted on afixture 2 that fixes the hanging device 10 to a shelf. The distancebetween the adjustment unit 3 and the fixture 2 is disclosed in anotherapplication filed by the same applicant.

[0038] Each of the adjustment units 3 includes a connection body 31 anda vertical connector 32 that is vertically connected to one end of theconnection body 31. The vertical connector 32 is pivotally connected tothe fixture 2. The connection body 31 consists of a stationary lid 311and a slidable lid 312. Each end of the cover 41 of the hanging rod 4 isengaged with one stationary lid 311. The slidable lid 312 is detachablyconnected to each end of the lampshade 42.

[0039] When assembled, the fluorescent tube 44 is mounted underneath thesupport base 43, and the electronic ballast 1 is super imposed upon thesupport base 43. The fluorescent tube 44 and the ballast 1 arepositioned between the cover 41 and the lampshade 42. The cover 41 andthe lampshade 42 are engaged with each other through the engagementslots 411, 421 to achieve the construction of the hanging rod 4. Theadjustment units 3 together with the fixtures 2 are mounted to the endsof the hanging rod 4 so that the stationary lid 311 is engaged to thecover 41 and the slidable lid 312 is detachably connected to thelampshade 42. The ballast 1 is provided with a power cord 11 thatextends from an opening 21 defined at a top of the fixture 2 forexternal electrical connection. Therefore, a hanging device 10 isaccomplished, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0040]FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a hanging device in use according tothe first embodiment of the invention. In use configuration, the fixture2 is fixed to the shelf as shown in FIG. 5. Clothing is hung on thehanging rod 4 provided with the ballast 1 therein. The hanging rod isreinforced by means of the rib structure 412 that as well as theengagement slots 411, 421 that also serve as reinforcement elements.Additionally the ellipsoidal cross shape of the hanging rod 4 helps tostrengthen the hanging capacity as well.

[0041]FIG. 6 is a view showing a push and pull operation steps forreplacement of the fluorescent tube 44 according to the first embodimentof the invention. When the fluorescent tube 44 is to be replaced onlythe slidable lid 312 is needed to slide outward (push) to separate fromthe lampshade 42. Thereafter, the lampshade 42 is pressed inward todetach the engagement slots 421 of the lampshade 42 from the engagementslots 411 of the cover 41. The lampshade 42 is thereby easily separatedfrom the hanging rod 4 for replacing the fluorescent tube 44. After thefluorescent tube 44 is replaced, press the lampshade 42 inward to attachthe engagement slots 421 of the lampshade 42 to the engagement slot 411of the cover 41. The slidable lid 312 is then slid inward (pull) torestore to the in use position.

[0042]FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a hanging device according to asecond embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 7, two hanging devices 10,10′ similar to those shown in FIG. 2 through FIG. 4 are electricallyconnected in series. A socket 22 as shown in FIG. 2 is provided at aleft end of each of the hanging devices 10, 10′ and an electric plug asshown in FIG. 2 is provided at a right end of each of the hangingdevices 10, 10′. The electrical plug 23 of the hanging device 10′ isinserted into the socket 22 of the hanging device 10 which inturn hasanother electrical plug to be connected to the power source. The twoconnected hanging devices thereby use only one power source saving theneeds for a second power source arrangement as well as installationwork. Furthermore, the two connected hanging devices look more esthetic& compact than the individually installed pairs.

[0043]FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a hanging device according to athird embodiment of the invention. An automatic motion sensor 5 isconnected to the hanging device 10 can be further provided in thecloset. In FIG. 8, the automatic motion sensor 5 is located on the powercord 11 extended from the fixtures 2. The sensor 5 detects the motion ofapproaching person, and instantly turns on the fluorescent tube 44 ofthe hanging device 10. The sensor 5 will keep the light on for a minimumduration of 2-3 minutes and will keep on functioning till the person(persons) leaves.

[0044]FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a hanging device according to aforth embodiment of the invention. When a longer fluorescent tube 44 isinstalled in the hanging device, a reinforcement hook 6 is furthermounted at the middle of the hanging rod 4 to support the longer device.If the hanging rod 4 is not longer than two feet, the additionalreinforcement hook 6 is not required. However, if the hanging rod 4 isfour feet or longer as shown in FIG. 9, the reinforcement hook 6 is thusneeded. The reinforcement hook 6 has its hook portion surrounded themiddle of the hanging rod 4, leaving the top space of the hanging rod 4open for free sliding by clothes hangers.

[0045]FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a hanging device according to afifth embodiment of the invention. The hanging device 10 is mounted on awire rack 7. A pin 71 is used to fix the fixture 2 to the wire rack 7.The pin 71 has a slot 72 through which a location of the hanging device10 on the wire rack can be adjusted.

[0046]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection body of theinvention. When the slidable cover 312 slides outward for replacing thefluorescent tube 44 in the hanging rod 4, an engagement support member313 is further arranged for preventing the slidable cover 312 fromdropping by over push. The engagement support member 313 is fixed in theslidable lid 312 at one end thereof, and is further located inside thestationary lid 311 at the other end. Once the slidable lid 312 is pushedoutward to open the adjustment unit 3, the engagement support member 313located inside the stationary lid 311 is immediately engaged with thestationary lid 311 to stop the slidable 312 from being further outwardlypushed.

[0047]FIG. 12A to FIG. 12D are embodiments of the invention with variousmounting options.

[0048]FIG. 12A is a ceiling mounted hanging rod using a pair ofextendable down rods 32′ to hold the lighted hanging rod 4 and connectto the track style canopy on the ceiling for power supply.

[0049]FIG. 12B is a wall to wall mounted hanging rod using a wallmounted bracket 3′ with a U shape slot 30′ design to hold the hangingrod 4 through an adjustable screw bolt 31′ at each end of the hangingrod 4. The adjustable screw bolt 31′ is threaded into the center of theend cap of the hanging rod 4 and can be adjusted inward and outwardalong the central line of the hanging rod 4.

[0050]FIG. 12C is the hanging device 10 integrated with a wall to wallrack structure using a rectangular wall mounted bracket 3′ with two Ushape slots 30′ design to hold the hanging rack 8 through a pair ofadjustable screw bolts 31′ which can be adjusted inward and outwardalong the stems of the rack 8.

[0051]FIG. 12D is the hanging device 10 integrally formed with a backwall mounted rack 8. The rack 8 has a plurality of stems 83 arranged inparallel. At ends of the rack 8 are respectively formed a left mountingplate 81 and a right mounting plate 82 that are integrally connectedwith the ends of the hanging device 10.

[0052] In view of the foregoing, the hanging device 10 of the inventionis concluded to possess the following unprecedented values for homeimprovement use.

[0053] 1. It offers an economic value by consolidating two separateworking units, lighting and hanging, into a single piece design savingconsumers' time and money.

[0054] 2. It solves the problem of insufficient illumination in aconventional closet.

[0055] 3. The design of the invention is creative and esthetic.

[0056] 4. The engineering work for the reinforcement of hanging capacityand consumer's convenience of bulb replacement is compact and practical.

[0057] 5. The connectability and automatic motion sensor design furtheradd an unique value of convenience to consumers thereby broaden theproduct application. It should be apparent to those skilled in the artthat the above description is only illustrative of specific embodimentsand examples of the invention. The invention should therefore covervarious modifications and variations made to the herein-describedstructure and operations of the invention, provided they fall within thescope of the invention as defined in the following appended claims.

I claim:
 1. A hanging rod with a built-in lighting integrationcomprising: a metal upper cover and a translucent plastic lowerlampshade being engaged with the cover; a support base having afluorescent tube placed on a bottom thereof and an electronic ballastlocated between the cover and the lampshade.
 2. The device of claim 1,wherein the cover is buckled with the lampshade to form a substantiallyellipsoidal shape thereby making an inner space larger for accommodationof various components and the structure sturdier for weight bearing. 3.The device of claim 1, wherein the cover is engaged with the lampshadetogether by engagement slots.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein an innerwall of the cover is constructed with a plurality of deep ribs disposedin row to reinforce the weight bearing capacity of the hanging rod. 5.The device of claim 1, wherein an outside surface of the cover isconstructed with a plurality of thinner ribs disposed in row to offerant-scratch protection.
 6. The device of claim 3, wherein the supportbase is assembled with the cover by sliding lateral sides thereof alongthe engagement slots of the cover.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein aL-shaped portion is further punched and formed near each end of thesupport base to thereby enable a pair of tapping screws to be guidedinto a space between the ribs through the L-shaped portion for furtherfixing the support base to avoid shaking.
 8. The device of claim 1,wherein a pair of fixtures are constructed and connected for mountingpurpose, and the structure of such mounting fixtures is selected fromthe group consisting of a shelf mounted, a ceiling mounted, a wall towall mounted, and a single back wall mounted.
 9. The device of claim 8,wherein a push and pull design composed of two adjustment units can beconstructed and connected to the fixtures to facilitate replacement ofthe fluorescent tube, each of the adjustable units including aconnection body and a vertical connector, the vertical connector beingvertically connected to the connection body at one end and pivotallyconnected to the fixture, the connection body further including astationary lid engaged with the cover of the hanging rod, and a slidablelid engaged with the lampshade of the hanging rod.
 10. The device ofclaim 8, wherein one of the fixtures located at one end of the hangingrod provides a pull chain switch or a simple on-off switch to allowmanual control of the light.
 11. The device of claim 8, wherein anautomatic motion sensor is further provided and connected to the hangingrod to offer automatic control of light.
 12. The device of claim 8,wherein one of the fixtures located at one end of the hanging rodprovides a socket, and the other fixture located at the other end of thehanging rod provides an electrical plug, thereby more than one of thehanging rods can be electrically connected in series.
 13. The device ofclaim 8, wherein a reinforcement hook is further provided at a middle ofthe hanging rod to substantially improve the weight bearing capacity ofthe hanging rod when the hanging rod is extended.
 14. The device ofclaim 8, wherein the hanging rod is mounted on a shelf via a pin where aslot is defined for adjusting a location of the hanging device on theshelf.
 15. The device of claim 8, wherein the hanging rod is integrallyformed with a rack having a plurality of stems in a parallel direction,and two ends of the rack are respectively formed a left frame and aright frame which are integrally connected with two ends of the hangingrod such composite hanging rack can be either wall to wall mounted orsingle back wall mounted.
 16. The device of claim 9, wherein theslidable lid has a engagement support member having one end fixed in theslidable lid and the other end located in a side of the stationary lidto prevent the slidable cover from dropping due to over push.